Explore the Wonders of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Discover the incredible biodiversity and rich history of our planet at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. is a mesmerizing destination for tourists seeking to delve into the natural world. With captivating exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to gemstones, this museum offers a fascinating journey through time and nature, making it an essential stop for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, Northwest Washington, District of Columbia, 20560, US
- +1202-633-1000
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
- Check the museum's website for special exhibits and events during your visit.
- Take advantage of the free guided tours for a deeper understanding of the exhibits.
- Visit the museum's café for a quick meal or snack, but consider exploring nearby options for a wider variety.
- Plan to spend several hours here to fully appreciate the extensive collections.
Getting There
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Public Bus
To get to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History from Laurel, you can take the Metrobus. Start at the Laurel Mall bus stop, located at 14700 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707. Board the Metrobus B30 towards the Greenbelt Metro Station. After about 35 minutes, disembark at the Greenbelt Metro Station. Transfer to the Washington Metro's Green Line towards Branch Avenue. Travel for approximately 20 minutes until you reach the L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station. From there, switch to the Blue, Yellow, or Orange Line towards the Smithsonian Metro Station. Get off at the Smithsonian Station. The museum is a short walk from there, just follow the signs towards the National Mall.
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Train
Begin your journey at the Laurel Marc Train Station, located at 325 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707. Board the MARC Train on the Camden Line towards Washington, D.C. The train ride will take about 25 minutes. Get off at the Union Station in Washington, D.C. From Union Station, you can either walk (approximately 30 minutes) or take the Metro. If you choose the Metro, take the Red Line towards Glenmont, and get off at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Station. Transfer to the Yellow or Green Line towards the Smithsonian Metro Station. Once you arrive at the Smithsonian Station, the museum is just a short walk away.
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Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous, you can bike to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Start from Laurel, head southeast on Route 1/Baltimore Avenue. Continue onto the bike paths that lead towards the Anacostia River Trail. Follow the trail south until you reach the National Mall area. This journey will take about an hour, depending on your biking speed. Once you reach the Mall, the museum is located on the corner of 10th St. and Constitution Ave. NW.
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Walking
If you are in the downtown Laurel area, you can take a leisurely walk to the museum. Start at the Laurel Library on 507 7th St, Laurel, MD 20707. Head west on 7th St towards Main St. Continue onto 6th St, then take a left onto Main St. Walk until you reach the intersection with Route 1/Baltimore Ave. Cross the street and continue south until you reach the Laurel Marc Train Station. From there, you can follow the train and bus options provided previously to reach the museum.
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